2014 Emmy Contenders: Best Actress in a Comedy Series

2014 Emmy Contenders
Julia Louis-Dreyfus "Veep"
Amy Poehler "Parks & Recreation"
Lena Dunham "Girls"
Edie Falco "Nurse Jackie"
Anna Faris "Mom"
Taylor Schilling "Orange is the New Black"
Melissa McCarthy "Mike & Molly"
Zooey Deschanel "New Girl"
Mindy Kaling "The Mindy Project"
Malin Akerman "Trophy Wife"
Sarah Michelle Gellar "The Crazy Ones"
Lea Michele "Glee"
Patricia Heaton "The Middle"
Wendi McLendon-Covey "The Goldbergs"
Minnie Driver "About a Boy"
Courtney Cox "Cougar Town"
Kat Dennings "2 Broke Girls"
Beth Behrs "2 Broke Girls"
Martha Plimpton "Raising Hope"
Kirstie Alley "Kirstie"
Jenna Elfman "Growing Up Fisher"
Rachel Harris "Surviving Jack"
Emmy Rossum "Shameless"
Laurie Metcalfe "Getting On"
Ana Ortiz "Devious Maids"
Dania Ramirez "Devious Maids"
Lennon Parham "Playing House"
Jessica St. Clair "Playing House"

Commentary - This has become one of my favorite categories in recent years, probably because there are so many incredible opportunities for women in television comedy nowadays. Leading the pack is two-time winner (for this show, four total) Julia Louis-Dreyfus who returns with another brilliant season of Veep. She could win a third in a row, but I think she will face some still competition. There is first and foremost Amy Poehler. She finally won a major award this year with a Golden Globe, and recently took home an American Comedy Award. I think she is starting to build a momentum, and let's face it, its about damn time she won an Emmy. Previous winners Melissa McCarthy and Edie Falco are always in the mix, their biggest challenge will be getting a nomination. Lena Dunham continues to shine on Girls, which is having a much better season this year (I still don't get it, but I respect her talent). Also watching out for Zooey Deschanel, who could bounce back after missing out last year, and Mindy Kaling, who has built The Mindy Project into a  must see show (even though not enough of you are actually watching it!!). Some contenders hope to make a splash and really shakeup this category, which has been kind of stalemated for a few years now (I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing, but not many new contenders). Taylor Schilling is probably the strongest of the new bunch, as Orange is the New Black could really break through across the Comedy categories. The other major new contender is Anna Faris. The Emmys could focus on Allison Janney, but if they are paying attention to the show as a whole then Faris (and guest star Octavia Spencer), could end up on a lot of ballots. Malin Akerman and Sarah Michelle Gellar's shows both got cancelled (a real black mark for both networks), but they both have effervescent characters and could be seen as bright and refreshing nominees to choose. Also watch out for Lea Michelle, Minnie Driver, Martha Plimpton, Patricia Heaton, and Wendi McLendon-Covey. Also I would like to give a personal shout out to Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair for Playing House. The show is quirky, light and fun, perfect for summer, and these two leading ladies have an incredible chemistry that makes the show a lot of fun to watch. They will be ignored by the Emmys, but I hope at least a few voters pay attention.